Chapter Text
The shift had ended hours ago, but the locker room still smelled faintly of smoke, sweat, and antiseptic. The overhead lights buzzed softly, casting a sterile glow over the rows of gray metal lockers. Most of the 118 had already gone home—Chim had been the first to bolt, muttering something about date night and takeout. Hen left with a tired but satisfied sigh after another long, successful rescue. Even Bobby had disappeared, mumbling something about paperwork and promising to see them all at the next shift.
Buck stayed behind.
He sat on the wooden bench in front of his locker, still half in uniform, towel draped across his shoulders. He wasn’t in a rush. He never really was anymore, not since things had… shifted. Not since he started feeling that strange, simmering thing under his skin whenever Ravi was around.
Speak of the devil.
“Hey, Buck.”
Buck glanced up, smile already forming. Ravi stood just inside the doorway, duffel slung over one shoulder, dark curls slightly tousled from the shower, his navy-blue T-shirt clinging to his chest in a way that really shouldn’t have been so distracting.
“Hey, man.” Buck smiled, doing his best to sound casual. He failed spectacularly.
Ravi stepped in further, closing the locker room door with a soft click. “Didn’t think anyone was still here.”
Buck shrugged. “Just taking my time.”
Ravi chuckled as he approached his own locker a few rows down. “That’s a first. Usually you’re the first one out the door, racing off to… I don’t know. Whatever adrenaline-fueled thing you’ve got going on.”
Buck snorted. “What can I say? I’m evolving.”
There was a beat of silence as Ravi opened his locker, stowing away his gear with the same quiet efficiency he always moved with. Buck watched him out of the corner of his eye—watched the way his shoulders moved, the curve of his back, the way his fingers lingered just a little too long on the photo taped inside the door of his locker.
“Your family?” Buck asked quietly, nodding toward the picture.
Ravi glanced at him, a little surprised. “Yeah. My sister and her kids. I stay with them sometimes. It’s loud but… feels like home.”
Buck nodded, thoughtful. “I get that. I live in a one-bedroom and still manage to miss the chaos sometimes.”
There was a moment between them then—quiet, but not empty. Buck could feel it stretch, like a rubber band pulled taut between two points, waiting to snap. Ravi broke it first.
“You did good today,” he said, leaning against the locker. “On that apartment fire call. Getting those kids out before the floor gave—that was gutsy.”
Buck flushed, ducking his head. “Wasn’t just me. You were the one who kept that beam from falling.”
“Still,” Ravi said. “You’re kind of… reckless. But in a way that works. It’s impressive.”
Buck blinked, caught off guard. Not because Ravi complimented him—he was always decent, kind—but because there was something in the way he said it. Something heavier.
“Thanks,” Buck said, his voice soft. “You’re not too bad yourself. Quiet, but you get the job done.”
Ravi smiled, a little crooked. “Guess we balance each other out.”
There it was again. That weight. That quiet hum in the air between them.
Buck cleared his throat and stood up, rubbing at the back of his neck. “I, uh… was actually thinking of grabbing a late bite. You hungry?”
Ravi raised an eyebrow. “You asking me out, Buckley?”
Buck froze, blinking. “I—no! I mean—unless you want me to be?”
Ravi laughed softly, the sound warm and unexpected. “Relax. I’m messing with you.”
Buck groaned, face flushing red. “You’re evil.”
Ravi closed his locker and slung the strap of his bag over his shoulder again. “A little. But seriously… food sounds good. There’s that taco truck on Ninth. Best carnitas in town.”
“Yeah?” Buck grinned. “Lead the way.”
They walked out of the station side by side, the heat of the summer night pressing close around them. Somewhere between the glowing streetlights and the hum of the city, Buck glanced sideways, heart thudding just a little harder than usual.
And Ravi? Ravi looked back—and smiled.
Something was starting.